Cancer Support Resources
National Resources
National Cancer Institute
NCI a division of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the Federal Government’s primary agency for cancer research, training, and health information.
Website: www.cancer.gov
Cancer Information Service
A free public service of the National Cancer Institute (NCI). The CIS is your source for the latest, most accurate cancer information for patients, their families, the general public, and health professionals. The CIS responds to calls in English and Spanish.
1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237)
Website: http//:cis.nci.nih.gov
Toll-free counseling line and teleconference programs.
1-800-813-HOPE (1-800-813-4673)
Website: www.cancercare.org
Cancer Hope Network
Free one-on-one support to people by trained volunteers.
1-877-HOPENET (1-877-467-3638),
Website: www.cancerhopenetwork.org
American Cancer Society
Provides patient and family education and support, patient navigators, a cancer survivor network, transportation and free medical equipment for cancer patients, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, and commodes.
1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) routes you to national headquarters.
Website: http://www.cancer.org
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Sponsored by ASCO (The American Society of Clinical Oncology), this site offers both a patient/family section and a professional section. Topics covered include: cancer types, diagnosis and treatments, coping, survivorship, advocacy and policy, ASCO resources, a library, news & events, in addition to a Spanish link.
Website: www.cancer.net
CancerLinksStreamlines your internet search.
Website: http://www.cancerlinks.org
National Centerfor Complimentary and Alternative Medicine
National Instituteof Health (NCCAM)
This service is the public's point of contact for scientifically based information on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
1-888-644-6226
Website: http://nccam.nih.gov/health
UW Resources
Cancer Connect
Staffed by skilled nurses and health education. Cancer Connect offers information on services available at the UW Comprehensive Cancer Center. This service is available Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
(608) 262-5223 or 1-800-622-8922
Website: uwccc@uwccc.wisc.edu
American Cancer Society Navigator
Navigators provide a vital link between a cancer survivor and resources in the community, including transportation, lodging, and other American Cancer Society programs such as At Home which provides access to free medical equipment for cancer patients, including hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers and commodes.
Call ( 608) 266-6025 for the UWCCC Navigator.
Call 1-800-ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
Pastoral Services
The Pastoral Services Department offers spiritual and emotional support for patients with cancer. A chaplain is available 24 hours a day, and can be reached by dialing UW paging at
(608) 262-2122.
CareWear
CareWear offers products for women who are receiving treatment for cancer. These include breast prostheses, breast forms, bras, natural hair eyebrows, headscarves, lymphedema sleeves, and more. Services are offered at UW Health East and West Clinics and the Breast Center at UW Hospital.
(608) 262-2609.
Wigs for Patients
Sponsored by the Friends of UW Hospital & Clinics, Inc., wigs, turbans and scarves available at no charge for patients who are receiving treatment at the UW. Call volunteer services department one week in advance for appointment at (608) 266-6025.
Look Good… Feel Better
A free service that teaches female cancer patients beauty techniques to help restore their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Women learn about makeup techniques, skincare, nail care, and hairless options. Each group program participant receives a free kit of cosmetics.
Call 608-266-6025 for the UWCCC Navigator.
If calling long distance, 1-800-ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
The Center for Patient Partnerships at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
The Center serves patients with life-threatening and serious chronic illnesses and their families. Patient advocates work with clients to help them make more informed medical decisions, access care, find their way through employment issues, find support, and build their own skills as needed. The center trains professional and graduate students in many fields who will work in or around the health care system.
608-890-0321
Email: cppadvocacy@law.wisc.edu
Website:www.patientpartnerships.org
Share the Care
Based on the book Share the Care: How to Organize a Group to Care for Someone Who is Seriously Ill by Capossela and Warnock. Provides a road map on how to create a caregiver team to provide individuals and families with help to meet the daily challenges of illness. To find out more contact UWCCC Cancer Connect.
1-800-622-8922
(608) 262-5223
SMART (Stress Management and Relaxation Training)
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine offers ten-week group session designed to teach new strategies for interpreting stressful events for patients with cancer. Participants are taught concrete stress management skills and new relaxation techniques. For further details:
(608) 262-7515
Genetic Counseling
UW offers cancer genetics risk assessment and counseling to women and men who have concerns about their persona and/or family history of cancer. To schedule an appointment contact the UW Clinical Genetics Center at (608) 263-2510.
Information for Specific Cancers
Brain Tumor Resources
American Brain Tumor Association
ABTA is a complete source of information about brain tumors, treatment options, clinical trials, and living with a brain tumor. A variety of social work resources and services are also available.
1-800-886-2282
Email: info@abta.org
Website: http://abta.org
The Childhood Brain Tumor Foundation
Founded by families, friends and physicians of children with brain tumors, the CBTF mission is to raise funds for scientific research, educate the public, and improve the future of those affected.
1-877-217-4166
Email: cbtf@childhoodbraintumor.org
Website: www.childhoodbraintumor.org
National Brain Tumor Society
NBTS offers information about benign and malignant brain tumors, treatment centers, treatment options, the latest clinical trials and a survivors' network
1-800-934-CURE (2873)
Email: info@braintumor.org
Website: www.braintumor.org/
Madison Area Brain Tumor Support Group
All brain tumor survivors and their family or support persons are invited to share their brain tumor experiences in an effort to provide a supportive and educational experience.
Meetings take place at UW Hospital.
1-608-265-1192
Breast Cancer Resources
Bosom Buddies
A support group for breast cancer patients and survivors. Meetings are the third Wednesday of each month. Call (608) 244-3062 or for further details.
Email: MadisonBosomBuddies@egroups.com
Breastcancer.org
Aims to help women and their loved ones make sense of the complex medical and personal information about breast cancer, so they can make the best decisions for their lives. Website: www.breastcancer.org
Breast Cancer Recovery Foundation
Infinite Boundaries Retreat Program
Offers four-day wellness retreats for women living with breast cancer. The Foundation also sponsors awareness and educational programs. For details.
(608) 821-1140
Website: www.bcrf.org
CHESS – Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System
An easy to use computer program for women diagnosed with breast cancer. CHESS offers a Message Center to communicate with others online, Discussion Group which allows you to communicate in a confidential way with other women living with breast cancer, Ask an Expert a confidential service where you may ask questions about medical, social, financial, spiritual, or emotional issues and get answers within two days, My Friend an e-mail system that connects you to a woman who will help you use CHESS and support you through your breast cancer diagnosis and a wide range of health tools including a decision notebook, health tracking, diary, and assessments. Contact the CHESS coordinator at 1-800-361-5481.
Hope Chest
Provides individual and group support for women in the Stoughton area who have breast cancer, whether newly diagnosed, receiving treatment, or having completed treatment. For more details call (608) 873-7829.
Imaginis
This is a website for breast cancer resources. It provides reliable, in-depth information on breast cancer and related women's health issues.
Website: www.imaginis.com
Instant Sisters
This is a support group for women who are survivors of metastatic breast cancer. For details,
(608) 262-5241
Email instantsistera@yahoo.com
Ninth Woman
A support group for women who have had breast cancer is a combination of education and sharing. For details call,
(608) 267-5911
Reach to Recovery
This program helps breast cancer patients both female and male cope with their diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Volunteers are breast cancer survivors. For details call,
1-800-227-2345
The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation
The website About Breast Cancer, allows you to find information on diagnosis and treatment, risk factors and screening, and a host of other topics—like complementary therapies, life after treatment, and quality medical care.
Website: www.komen.org
The Witness Project
The Witness Project is a health program for African-American women. It offers support, encouragement and hope for women with breast or cervical cancer. This project offers community education about breast self-exam, pap tests, and signs and symptoms of breast and cervical cancer. It also provides a list of resources that offer low or no cost services to women of color.
(608) 267-5575.
Young Women’s Cancer Support Group
This is a support group for young women who are dealing with the emotional and physical challenges that are different for women who are facing the cancer diagnosis at a young age. For further details call or e-mail:
(608) 263-8521
Website: mick@spwl.net
Gastrointestinal Cancer Resources
Colon Cancer Alliance (CCA)
The voice of survivors – support and information for people touched by colorectal cancer
1-877-422-2030
Website: www.ccalliance.org
GIST Support International is an internet-based community of patients and friends. It is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization whose mission is to help GIST patients become their own best advocates, to educate, and to share emotional support.
215- 340-9374
The Jay Monahan Center for Gastrointestinal Health
Named for Katie Couric’s late husband, the JMCGH focuses on prevention, screening, treatment, support, research and education for those who have or are at risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers.
1-212-746-WELL (9355)
Website: www.monahancenter.org
Life Raft Group is an international patient support organization for people with GIST and their family members. The mission of the Life Raft Group (LRG) is to ensure the survival of GIST patient while maintaining the quality of their lives. To accomplish this, efforts are devoted to: Information and Support, Treatment Surveillance, Research, Patient Consultation & Assistance, and Advocacy.
(973) 837-9092
Roots of Support in Colorectal Cancer
Education and encouragement for people with colorectal cancer
1-877-422-3030
Website: www.ccalliance.org/roots
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network PALS Program (Patient and Liaison Services)
The first national patient advocacy organization for pancreas cancer, PALS provides public and professional education, supports research and offers patient service.
1-877-270-6226
Website: www.pancan.org
Genitourinary (GU) Cancer Resources
UsToo
Someone to talk to . . . who understands!
Education, support groups and resources for patients with prostate cancer, their family and companions, and health care professionals.
Website: www.ustoo.com
Head and Neck Cancer Resources
“Heads Up” Cancer Support Group
“Heads Up” is a UWCCC support group for people with head and neck cancer, their family and friends. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of the month in the ENT Clinic conference room (G3/206). Call the Radiotherapy Clinic for information.
(608) 263-8500.
New Voice Club
The “New Voice Club” is a local support group for people who have had or who will have a laryngectomy (removal of the voice box). Meetings are held at the American Cancer Society Office. Contact the UW ENT Clinic for information.
(608) 263-6190.
Support for People with Oral and Head and Neck Cancer, Inc (SPOHNC)
SPOHNC is a national, patient-directed, self-help organization that provides educational materials, a newsletter and one-to-one support.
1-800-377-0928
Website: www.spohnc.org
Hematology
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
1311 Mamaroneck Ave.
White Plains, NY 10605
Committed to reaching out to those with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma in meaningful ways. Programs have been developed all over the country to meet the needs of patients, families and oncology professionals. Provides accurate, up-to-date, disease related information and referral services. Information Specialists are nurses, social workers and health educators.
1-800-955-4572
Website: http://www.leukemia.org
Call local Wisconsin Chapter in Milwaukee for information about services offered regionally, including a patient aid program which offers funds for covered services.
1-800-261-7699
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation
51 Locust Avenue, Suite 201
New Canaan, CT 06840
The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) was founded in 1998 by twin sisters Karen Andrews and Kathy Giusti following Kathy's diagnosis with multiple myeloma. Today, the MMRF is the world's number one private funder of myeloma specific research.
(203) 972-1250
E-mail: info@themmrf.org
Website: www.multiplemyeloma.org
The National Hemophilia Foundation
116 West 32nd Street, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10001
Dedicated to finding better treatments and cures for bleeding and clotting disorders and to preventing the complications of these disorders through education, advocacy and research. NHF makes an important difference in the lives of people and families with bleeding disorders. It has a national presence, chapters throughout the country, and an intricate communications network bringing healthcare professionals and consumers the latest bleeding disorders news.
(212) 328-3700 - Fax (212) 328-3777
Email:info@hemophilia.org
Website: http://www.hemophilia.org
Sickle Cell Information Center
PO Box 109, Grady Memorial Hospital, 80 Jesse Hill Jr Drive SE,
Atlanta, GA 30303
Provides sickle cell patient and professional education, news, research updates and world wide sickle cell resources. It is their mission to provide world class compassionate care, education, counseling, and research for patients with sickle cell disease.
404-616-3572 Fax - 404-616-5998
Email Address - aplatt@emory.edu
Website: www.scinfo.org
Lymphoma Informational and Educational Group
East Clinic, 5249 E Terrace Dr.
Madison, WI
A free support group: Join lymphoma patients (in and out of treatment) and supporters in a friendly and caring environment for information and discussion . Speakers will be offering educational information on a regular basis. Sponsored by UW Hospital and Clinics and the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.
For more information, call 608-263-8633.
Lung Cancer Resources
Lung Cancer Alliance
LCA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting people with lung cancer. Website highlights include an excellent in-depth guide about lung cancer and a geographical listing of lung cancer support groups.
For more information, call 1-800 298-2436.
Website: www.alcase.org
Lung Cancer Online (Karen Parles, MLS)
This is an annotated directory of lung cancer information and resources for patients and their families.
Website: www.lungcanceronline.org
Women against Lung Cancer
WALC supports increased funding and provides advocacy for lung cancer research. A national nonprofit organization, WALC seeks to bring increased attention to lung cancer as a national health problem.
For more information, call (608) 233-7905.
Website: www.womenagainstlungcancer.org
Other Resources
Angel on My Shoulder
A non-profit organization helps persons, families, and caregivers dealing with cancer. There are special programs for children and teens as well as adults.
1-800-860-3431
Web site: www.angelonmyshoulder.org
Angel Flight
AirLifeLine is a national non-profit charitable organization of over 1,500 private pilots who fly ambulatory patients who cannot afford the cost of travel to medical facilities for diagnosis and treatment.
1-877-621-7177
Web site: http://www.angelflightcentral.org
Corporate Angel Network, Inc.
Provides free air transportation for cancer patients traveling to and from recognized treatment centers in the United States.
1-914-328-1313
Web site: www.corpangelnetwork.org
Fertile Hope
A non-profit organization dedicated to helping cancer patients faced with infertility. Website: www.fertilehope.com
Guidelines for Evaluating Cancer Websites (H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center)
Guidelines for patients on how to critically evaluate cancer websites and information found on the internet.
Website: www.moffitt.usf.edu/pated/eval.htm
Health and Harmony Cancer Wellness Program
An exercise, education and support program for those who have been diagnosed with cancer. Emphasis is placed on exercise prescription, education, nutrition guidelines and stress reduction techniques. For details call:
(608) 267-6102
I Can Cope
An 8-week series of educational classes for people with cancer, their families and friends. Offered by St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center with support from the American Cancer Society. all 608-258-5065 for schedule and location of upcoming programs.
Kids Can Cope
A support group for children who are dealing with the effects of any life threatening illness, whether their own or of a loved one. Call 608-258-6336.
KidsCope
Help families and children to better understand the effects of cancer and chemotherapy on a parent.
404-892-1437
Web site: www.kidscope.org
Patients Living With Cancer
Sponsored by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), this website is designed to help patients and families make informed health-care decisions.
Website: www.plwc.org
The Pregnant with Cancer Network
A national organization created to offer hope and support to women who are diagnosed with cancer while pregnant. Through a network of women across the United States, the group can match a new patient with a woman once given a similar diagnosis that can lend support, share her experience, and offer hope.
Website: www.pregnantwithcancer.org
R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation, Inc.
The goal of the R.A. Bloch Cancer Foundation is to support cancer patients with information, moral support, and treatment assistance.
1-800-433-0464
Web site: www.blochcancer.org
An eight-week program for people whose quality of life has been altered by a physical illness held at Meriter Hospital. Call ( 608) 267-5900 for more information.
Road to Recovery
Program that assists ambulatory cancer patients with ground transportation to and from cancer treatment. For more information call 1-800-ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
TEAM Survivor
Local TEAM Survivor organizations provide exercise and health education programs to women how have been affected by cancer.
Email: info@teamsurvivor.org
Website: www.teamsurvivor.org
Transportation Air
Provides one time opportunity for 2 free round trip tickets for Wisconsin cancer patients going to treatment outside Wisconsin. For more information call 1-800-ACS-2345 and ask for your regional navigator.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 09/01/2011
Copyright © 06/14/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. UWH #5069
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